ILWAUKEE, Apr 22, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Sensient Technologies Corporation (SXT 31.49, +0.33, +1.06%) plans to add to its natural color capabilities by investing $16 million at its Color Group headquarters site in St. Louis, Missouri. Sensient will build an additional 25,000 sq. ft. facility dedicated wholly to natural colors production. The plant will be the largest and most advanced natural colors plant in North America. The building will include major new equipment for natural color emulsions, dispersions and liquid colors.

This is the latest in a planned series of investments to expand Sensient’s natural color global capabilities. Previous investments include an increase in emulsion capability in Hamburg, Germany, a brand new facility in Guangzhou, China, and expanded capacity in anthocyanins in Reggio Emilia, Italy. These natural color investments will total more than $50 million.

With the St. Louis project, Sensient will enhance its position in the U.S. and abroad as a leader in natural colors. Most of the world’s largest food and beverage manufacturers use Sensient colors and flavors to make their household brand-name food and beverage products. Sensient partners with them to formulate the products that consumers want.

Kenneth P. Manning, Chairman and CEO of Sensient Technologies Corporation, said, “This major new investment emphasizes the growing importance of natural colors for food and beverages. The trend towards natural colors is accelerating, and this new manufacturing plant will further promote the conversion to natural colors by large food and beverage manufacturers. Our natural color investments ensure that we will remain in the forefront of the industry with state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technologies.”

ABOUT SENSIENT TECHNOLOGIES

Sensient Technologies Corporation is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of colors, flavors and fragrances. Sensient employs advanced technologies at facilities around the world to develop specialty food and beverage systems, cosmetic and pharmaceutical systems, inkjet and specialty inks and colors, and other specialty chemicals. The company’s customers include major international manufacturers representing most of the world’s best-known brands. Sensient is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.